Eugene Debs Wardwell Jr.

Gene was born to Eugene Debs Wardwell Sr. and Oleta (Walker) Wardwell on May 12, 1936 in Ione, Oregon. As a child, Gene attended schools in Hermiston, Heppner, and Lexington. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1955. He met Sharon Knopf through mutual friends, and they were married in 1962.

A hard worker, Gene held many jobs to support himself and his family. He joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Homestead, Florida for four years. As he would say, he served our nation in the Cold War. He had another career as a barber after his time in the Air Force–he attended Moler’s Barber College in Portland, worked at a barber shop with Earl Karr in Milton-Freewater, and, finally, owned his own shop, Gene’s Barbershop. He returned to school and graduated from Blue Mountain Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Engineering in June of 1972. Gene worked for ODOT from 1972 until he retired in December of 1995. As an ODOT crew member, he and his family lived in Condon, North Bend, Myrtle Creek, Helix, and Salem.

Gene enjoyed his retirement by spending time with his family, traveling around the world, bike riding, gambling, growing tomatoes and cucumbers, and doing crossword puzzles. Throughout his life, he witnessed the progression of technology and was proud to own many phones, cameras, TVs, computers, and hand-held gaming devices. He also loved to eat, tell stories, and watch classic movies.

Gene and his family were blessed to receive care and support that allowed Gene to live out his final weeks on his own terms–listening to music; watching the birds, squirrels, and hummingbirds outside; and sitting in his favorite comfy chair.

Gene is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon Wardwell, and their children: Arnold and Blythe Wardwell of Adams, OR; Stefanie and John Morrow of Sheridan, OR; and Tim Wardwell and Nora Zimmerman of Pendleton, OR. He is also survived by his brother, Dan Wardwell, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren: Chandra (Michelle), Austin (Jose), Brogan, Bella, Bowdrie, Zane (Erica), Lena (Joshua), Katy, Jaden, John, and Sam. He has many extended family members who meant a great deal to him–especially his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews in Eastern Oregon.

There will be a memorial gathering at Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Sheridan, OR on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Elmira High School athletics, Scappoose High School baseball, Hermiston Christian School, or Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation.